Match of the Day extra: Kinmel Bay beat higher level opponents in FAW Amateur Trophy

Kinmel Bay 3 (Sheridan 2, Slaven)
Corwen 1 (Henry pen)
Dragon Signs Amateur Trophy Round One – Saturday, August 3, 2025

Following an outstanding 2024-25 season, Kinmel Bay showed they could very much be a team to watch in the current campaign too as they knocked tier 3 Corwen out of the FAW Amateur Trophy.

The visitors had won at Prestatyn Town in the Welsh Cup seven days earlier, but were second-best to tier 4 hosts who would have won trophies last term had it not been for an outstanding Penmaenmawr Phoenix ruling the roost.

From the first whistle at Y Morfa on Saturday, Bay asserted control with an aggressive high press that unsettled the visitors from the outset.

The breakthrough came early, thanks to sustained pressure. A misplaced back pass from Corwen gifted Sean Sheridan a golden opportunity and he made no mistake, calmly slotting past the onrushing goalkeeper to put Bay 1–0 up.

Bay continued to dictate play, and it wasn’t long before Sheridan struck again. This time, Josh Parry pressed high to win the ball deep in Corwen’s half, then squared it to Sheridan, who rifled home a composed finish from 20 yards on his left foot.

Kinmel’s third came from a well-rehearsed set piece. New summer signing Mackenzie Slaven rose unmarked at the far post to nod home Anthony Jones’ pinpoint free kick from the right-hand side.

Bay were in complete control at 3–0, with further goals from Sheridan and Ryan Roberts disallowed for offside before the break.

In the second half, Bay adopted a more compact shape, allowing Corwen more possession without compromising their defensive structure.

Despite their increased time on the ball, Ardal North East outfit Corwen struggled to create clear chances, and their efforts were largely limited to long-range strikes — the closest being a powerful shot from 25 yards that rattled the crossbar.

Corwen were handed a lifeline from the penalty spot after the referee penalised Mason Richards for excessive force in a challenge following a set-piece delivery. Sam Henry stepped up and converted confidently to reduce the deficit to 3-1.

Despite a more open second half, Bay remained solid and professional, seeing out the match to secure a well-earned victory.

Kinmel Bay

James Roberts, Anthony Jones, Josh Parry, Ciaran Brady, Mason Richards, Mckenzie Slaven, Ashley Wood, Mathew Beach (c), Sean Sheridan, Ryan Roberts, Matthew Rees.
Subs used: Jacob Jones, Liam Jones, Josh Williams, Ben Cawley, Jared Hughes,

Corwen

Kieran Smith, Dafydd Evans, Scott Evans (c), Pat Hinchcliffe, Sam Henry, Henry Evans, Tom Williams, Joseph Drummond, Olllie Crimp. Harry Strong, Calum Butler.
Subs used: Joe Ephraim.